After months of preparation, some of the world’s best butchers gathered in Belfast on 21st March to compete in the World Butchers’ Challenge – and the results are now in.
Out of the 12 countries competing, Ireland came in first place, with New Zealand following in second place and Australia scooping third position.
Although Team GB, dubbed ‘the British Beefeaters’, did not position, they did win the coveted title of Best Beef Product. The product in question was a split marrow shin designed for slow cooking in a casserole. The team removed the marrow and filled the product with butter, herbs and seasoning.
WBC council member and judge Keith Fisher said: “The standard of entries has increased over the years and the level this year was absolutely phenomenal. It was a very intense judging process – perhaps I could even say it was as difficult as competing! Congratulations to everyone involved and well done to the British Beefeaters on winning Best Beef Product.”
The team was coached and led by Dalziel’s Danny Upson, who is chair of the WBC UK Council Committee. He told Meat Management: “I am really proud of the team and how professional they were. They delivered everything they intended to deliver – over 100 products – to an excellent standard. The innovation and quality of the products were extremely high. However, there were 12 countries in the competition and it was really tough! Coming out with Best Beef Product is a great achievement and it really is true when I say all the butchers taking part were winners – these teams were representing their country and their craft. They’re showing young people it’s cool to be a butcher and raising awareness of what we do on an international stage.”
Representing Great Britain were: Michael Dufton, Knitsley Farm Shop; Mark Ramsay, Falleninch Farm Butchers, Stirling; Simon Taylor, Surrey Hills Butchers, Oxshot; Bryce Lawson, McMurchie Meats, Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham; Jessica Leliuga, Ye OIde Sausage Shop, Oswaldtwistle, Lancs and Tom Wood (captain), Tom Wood Artisan Butchers. They competed against teams from Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.
Meat Management supported the British Beefeaters as Team GB's official media partner.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
